Q: Who IS that? A: Katie Hae Leo, playwright, poet, essayist, and performer

Name: Katie Hae Leo
Website: katiehaeleo.com, originsprojectus.wordpress.com

What's your job?
"I'm a playwright, poet, essayist, and performer. Right now I'm in the process of remounting the show The Origin(s) Project: Memoirs in Motion at Dreamland Arts in St. Paul with my dear friend, amazing artist Sun Mee Chomet. It's two one-woman shows about our experiences as adult adoptees. The first run sold out completely, so we're bringing it back at the end of October."

Other than your job, what are your claims to fame?
"My signature song at noraebang—Korean karaoke—is 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio. I'm a nerd for things like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Lost, Battlestar Galactica, anything zombies. I also have no sense of direction."

What's your relationship status?
"Married to actor and IT guy Gary David Keast."

Where are you most likely to be seen?
"We live in Rochester now, so whenever I get up to the Twin Cities, I try to eat in the Asian restaurants I miss: Sole Cafe, Jasmine 26, Midoris, Tanpopo, Tea House." 

Where are you least likely to be seen?
"Well, I don't really drink and I'm not a big fan of professional sports, so sports bars are my version of Purgatory."

With whom are you most likely to be seen?
"Said actor and IT guy Gary David Keast. Good friends."

Where were you born?
"I was born outside of Seoul, Korea, in a city called Bucheon, and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana."

In what neighborhood do you live now?
"We live in downtown Rochester. Come visit us sometime."

What's your ride?
"Green '99 Honda Accord."

What's the best way for someone to start a conversation with you?
"I'll talk to almost anyone. A few ways not to start a conversation with me include lines such as, 'I just love Asian women...', 'Where are you from?', and 'I'm really glad that you people are here. I know not everyone is, but I am.'"

Photo courtesy Katie Hae Leo